Covid-19 vaccines

The Berlin Buyers Club has published an open letter calling on Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), the Federal Joint Committee and Health Minister Nina Linnemann to make updated, adapted COVID-19 vaccines accessible now. The group is demanding science-based vaccination recommendations and faster availability of adjusted booster doses, arguing current access rules leave people without adequate protection against circulating variants.

Public health officials are telling people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the end of October, so protection builds up before respiratory virus season peaks in the winter months. The advice applies broadly as both viruses circulate at the same time each year, and officials stress vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and hospital stays.

The updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine has rolled out in the United States, with people booking Moderna booster appointments at pharmacies such as Walgreens. The news comes as a COVID update reports a 13th wave underway, with outbreaks in 40 states and territories and an estimated 3.8 million new infections, prompting renewed calls to get the latest shot.